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New Life: Seedlings & Babies

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2 New Life: Seedling and Babies Abundant Life Garden Project

Notes for Parents and TeachersBy Cynthia Coe

New life requires special nurture and care. Whether this “new life” is a seedling, a calf, a kid, a chick, or a human baby, young lives need nutrients, warmth, and clean water. Young lives must be protected from harsh weather, disease, insects, and other dangers.

In this module of Abundant Life Garden Project resource materials, we invite participants of all ages to explore the care and nurture required to protect new life in our gardens, in our communities, and in the world. This module may serve as a follow-up to previous modules on Seeds or Animals, or it may serve as an advanced unit for older children and families. Adults and teens are invited to use this material to explore the topics of vaccines, disease prevention, and the importance of education in countries served by Episcopal Relief & Development.

The image of the seedling in our gardens serves as a rich metaphor for new life in our world. A seedling is a plant that has germinated and sprouted, consisting of roots, shoots, and leaves that might not look anything like the “true leaves” the plant will have at maturity. The seedling needs warmth, nutrients, water, and protection from pests if the plant is to grow and bear fruit. As the seedling matures, it will eventually need a larger pot for further growth. A time and labor consuming process of moving seedlings into the sun during the day and back into the greenhouse at night may be required to help the seedling adjust to life outdoors during the early spring. Re-potting and making transitions to the garden requires work and attention; yet this work is well worth the effort when we are able to feast on ripe fruits and vegetables months later.

Care of baby humans requires similar hard work and attention. Like seedlings, babies need protection from disease in the form of vaccinations, along with good nutrition and protection from danger and harsh weather. Babies also need love, nurture, and bonding with adult caregivers or parents. In our world, millions of babies lack access to proper vaccines, nutrition, and shelter from insects and other dangers. Children orphaned by AIDS or other diseases and calamities may not get the basic nurture and emotional attachment all humans require in order to develop into mature and loving adults.

In healing a hurting world, many programs sponsored by Episcopal Relief & Development and its partners seek to nurture the newest members of our human family through good nutrition, clean water, vaccinations, support for new mothers, bed nets for protection against malaria, and early childhood education. Like seedlings, when children are given the protection, care, and nutrients they need to grow, they may “bear fruit” as mature adults, adding their gifts and talents to their own communities and to the world.

We hope this lesson will be enjoyable and enriching for those taking part in this program. Your feedback and suggestions would be greatly appreciated and will help us serve you better. Please share your use of Abundant Life Garden Project resources by filling out and returning the survey included at the end of this lesson. Thank you!

3Abundant Life Garden Project New Life: Seedlings and Babies

Abundant Life Garden Project New Life: Seedlings and Babies

Introduction

This module of Abundant Life Garden Project resources focuses on the New Life of seedlings and babies of all kinds – humans, chicks, piglets, calves, and kids. This unit introduces the care needed to nurture and protect new life, links this nurture to scripture from both the Old Testament and New Testament of the Bible, introduces elements of the Book of Common Prayer to young children, and engages them in linking these stories and concepts to the urgent needs of babies and small children around the world.

Objectives

This lesson will:

» Recall or introduce the care of seedlings and children in the Bible, in the Book of Common Prayer

» Provide a time of quiet reflection and listening to God in silence

» Provide children with experiential learning in caring and nurturing new life in gardens and on farms

» Motivate participants to seek and serve Christ in others and to explore their own growth towards the full stature of Christ


The Plan

This lesson includes several activities from which you may choose for your own lesson plan. While this structure is recommended, you are free to tailor these materials to the needs of your group.

The activities in this lesson include:

» An Opening Question

» A Litany of Thanks

» A Meditation

» A Story from the Field

» A Group Learning Exercise

» Small Group or Individual Studies

» Closing Reflections and Prayer

For more information and tips on using each of these activities, please see Appendix B: Teaching Tips of Abundant Life Garden Project program resources, available at www.episcopalrelief.org/children.

Materials List

You will need these minimal materials and resources:

» A large blank writing surfaces (chalk board, bulletin board, paper, poster boards)

» A supply of all-purpose blank white paper (enough for each person to have three to five sheets); several stacks of stick-on note paper

» A plentiful supply of crayons, washable markers or colored pencils (at least three to five per person)

» At least one Bible (two or more copies preferred)

» At least one Book of Common Prayer

» At least one copy of the Gifts for Life catalog, found online at www.episcopalrelief.org/giftsforlife

» Seeds or seedlings, potting soil, pots or trays, water, watering can

Courtesy of Harvey Wang for Episcopal Relief & Development


Using this Program for Summer Camps and Long Term Offerings

You are welcome to supplement this program with additional activities in order to tailor this program to summer programs, weekend programs, Vacation Bible School programs, or other extended or long term programs. Options you might add include:

» Gardening projects

» Healthy snacks

» Arts and crafts

» Songs

» Playtime

» Fundraising activities

For more information and tips on these activities, please see Appendix A: Options for Extended Time Periods and Appendix D: Fundraising Toolkit of Abundant Life Garden Project program materials, all available at www.episcopalrelief.org/children.


An Invitation to Share and Learn*

Question of the Day

“What do seedlings need to grow and thrive?”

Optional Question for Adults

“What do all children in the human family need to grow and thrive?”

Materials Needed

» crayons, markers, or colored pencils » a large blank writing surface

Activity

» As participants arrive, offer them a choice of writing utensils.

» Ask them to draw pictures in response to the question “What do seedlings need to grow and thrive?” or the optional question for adults. Allow as much time as needed, so that participants may all begin group worship and prayer time together.

» Participants may return to this activity as an additional option during small group reflections.


Litany of Nurture of New Life

Ask participants to form a circle. For a visual focus, one or more seedlings and/or photographs of babies (both human and animal) may be displayed. This display may be as simple or elaborate as you wish.

Leader: The Lord be with you!

Participants: And also with you!

Leader: We thank you, Lord, for this time together. We thank you for new life in our world and in our communities. Help us to grow in faith and in love for others. Help us all to grow into the people You want us to be, as we seek and serve Christ in others.

In Christ’s name, Amen.

Leader: Now, I will read several prayers about new life in our gardens and in the world. Since all kinds of new life needs care and protection, please respond to each of these prayers with, “Help us, Lord, to nurture new life in our world.”

(The leader might ask children to practice “Help us, Lord, to nurture new life in our world” before continuing.)

Litany of Nurturing New Life

(Leader’s prayers are boldface; children and others’ lines are in italics.)

We thank you, Lord, for the hope and promise of new life in You.

Help us, Lord, to nurture new life in our world.


We thank you for seedlings and for roots, shoots, and leaves. We thank you for soil, water, and nutrients to help our plants grow.


We thank you for baby animals of all kinds. We thank you for chicks and ducklings, for piglets and kids, for calves and foals. We thank you for all baby animals that will grow to help nourish us.


We thank you for all babies in our human family. We pray that all may receive the nurture and care they need.


We pray that all babies will have clean water, nutritious food, shelter, and protection from disease.


We pray for children all over the world to grow and flourish, supported by their communities, so that they might use their gifts and talents to benefit others.


We pray for all those who care for new life. Grant them the strength, endurance, and resources to support new growth in others.



MeditationLeader: Listen to the words of Jesus.

“People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. But Jesus called for them and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.”

(Luke 18:15-17)

After a moment for reflection on the scripture just read, ask the following questions:

» How would Jesus care for babies and children in our world today?

» What stops children from experiencing the kingdom of God in our world today?

» How could we share the kingdom of God with all babies in our world today?

The leader should close his or her eyes and take deep breaths, in order to model silent meditation for others. For tips and information on the importance of silent time with God and how to lead children in meditation, please see Appendix B, Teaching Tips of Abundant Life Garden Project resource materials, available at www.episcopalrelief.org/children.

After a minute or more, the leader might ask the group to share any thoughts they have.


Story from the Field

After children have had a few minutes to share their thoughts, please read “The Littlest Promoter - Clinica Esperanza y Caridad,” a Story from the Field from the mission work of Episcopal Relief & Development. You might have older children or youth who are good readers take turns reading the paragraphs of this brief true story.

The Littlest Promoter - Clinica Esperanza y Caridad

In San Pedro de Macoris, a city in southeastern Dominican Republic, Juana is educating her peers about their health. She is one of many volunteers who are working with Clinica Esperanza y Caridad (Hope and Charity Clinic) and Episcopal Relief & Development to give communities the education they need to stay healthy. She is 11 years old.

Lack of health care resources is a major issue in the Dominican Republic, especially in neighborhoods or “barrios” like Juana’s, where the public health system doesn’t always reach those in need. Over the course of three years, the clinic is training 250 community volunteers as health workers. These health promoters are learning to educate their friends and neighbors about practices to help prevent disease such as hand washing, drinking clean water and vaccinating their children. By providing good information, they influence people to change their behavior. This will in turn facilitate better health for mothers and young children.

The clinic’s effort to increase awareness is reflected in Juana’s participation in health-promoter training. As health topics became more of a priority for people in her community, Juana’s interest in learning about these subjects grew. When she heard the clinic was looking for a new group of volunteers to participate in training, she made a decision to attend.

“I thought she was the child of one of the promoters at the workshop,” said Matt St. John, Episcopal Relief & Development program officer, after sitting in on one of the clinic’s training sessions. “But throughout the day, she kept raising her hand to answer the questions. She was getting all the answers right.”

While health promoters are usually required to be at least 18 years old, Juana’s persistence convinced facilitators that she was smart and mature enough to handle the responsibility of educating others about these important issues.

Courtesy of Harvey Wang for Episcopal Relief & Development


“The hope is that Juana will be able to communicate health information on a kid-to-kid basis,” continued St. John. “Her assistance will be invaluable. She can reach younger members in the community and help change their behavior when they are at an age where they adapt easily to new ideas.”

Think about:

» How did Juana help share abundant life with other children in her community?

» How was Juana nurtured by others?

» How could you nurture new and abundant life for others in your community and in the world?

For youth, and adults, a more detailed version of this story may be found at:

http://www.episcopalrelief.org/partnershipsmay2010

Additional Stories From the Field for further study and exploration are included in this module as part of the Small Group or Individual Studies. Adults and teens may discuss these additional stories in small groups or use these stories for additional sessions of your program.

Many programs sponsored by Episcopal Relief & Development and its partners minister to babies, children, and new mothers. For “thumbnail” sketches of some of these efforts, we invite you to peruse our online Gifts for Life catalog of virtual gifts for new families and children at: Basics for Life and Health & Wellness.


Group Learning Activities

Option 1: Are You Ready for a Bigger Pot?

For Children and Intergenerational Programs

In this group exercise, children and other participants are invited to plant or re-pot seedlings in a new location or in larger pots. At the same time, participants are asked to consider their own spiritual growth, viewing the seedlings as a metaphor of growth towards the full stature of Christ.

This exercise is particularly appropriate for an end-of-school-year activity, as children approach the time for promotion to a new grade or even a new school. Seedlings are typically ready for re-potting in the late spring as well.

Tips for Planting or Re-Potting Seedlings in this Exercise:

» Make sure everyone has his or her own seedlings to re-pot. Seedlings are ready for re-potting when their roots begin to fill their current container and need more room to grow.

» Make sure new containers or soil will have ample space for water and air; soil should not be packed solid.

» Consider local weather if you plan to take new plants outdoors. Make sure new plants are not exposed to frost or freezing conditions.

» Consider whether plants will need protection from insects or animals. Consider whether soil contains adequate nutrients for seedlings to continue to grow.

» Make sure seedlings will have access to adequate water and drainage.

Ask children or other participants to write freely, draw pictures, or discuss their responses to these questions:

» Seeing yourself as a human “seedling,” are you ready for a bigger pot?

» How will you make sure you have the nutrients to help you grow?

» In what ways have you outgrown the container you have grown in these past months?

» Transitions are often difficult. Seedlings must get used to a new location, harsher weather, pests, and other challenges. What challenges might you face as you make a transition this year?


» When seedlings are moved outdoors, they go from the protected space of a greenhouse to the uncertainty and risks of the outdoor garden. How might we take our faith and our lives from safe spaces and out into the world? What would that be like?

» What is your “water”? Your “soil”? Your “roots”? Your “drainage”?

Option 2: The Barnyard or Greenhouse Teach-In

For Children and Intergenerational Groups

In this activity, children and their families are invited to visit a local farm or greenhouse to learn how seedlings and young farm animals are nurtured.

For more in-depth study, learners might research one or more animals or crops to find out how they are raised or grown, then present their findings to their classmates. Topics for study might include:

Children and families might also research how these animals and crops are raised in their own communities, compared with countries served by Episcopal Relief & Development. Please visit our website, www.episcopalrelief.org , for information on agriculture in several countries in which we serve.


Option 3: The Nurturing New Life Teach-In

For Youth and Adults

In this activity, small groups of participants are invited to learn about one aspect of Episcopal Relief & Development’s work in nurturing babies, children, and new mothers. This Teach-In activity may be as simple or elaborate as you wish.

Small groups are asked to read and study one of the following web resources. Then, they are asked to present what they learned to other participants in your program or school. In a school setting or for more in-depth study, learners might also study material provided on Episcopal Relief & Development’s website, along with other external material they might find through their own research.

The four areas of study for this Teach-In are:

» Maternal and Child Health (http://www.episcopalrelief.org/what-we-do/our-programs/maternal-and-child-health)

» Malaria Prevention (http://www.episcopalrelief.org/what-we-do/our-programs/malaria)

» Micro-Finance (http://www.episcopalrelief.org/what-we-do/our-programs/micro-finance)

» Community Gardening (http://www.episcopalrelief.org/what-we-do/power-of-partnerships?story=community-garden-grows-seeds-of-development-equality)

Participants may prepare posters, videos, slide shows, or other visual and audio aids to present their finding to their peers. Photographs, videos, and other materials are available for this use at http://www.episcopalrelief.org/mediacenter/.

As part of your presentation, please think about how you could partner with us in these efforts!


Gifts for Life

As a fundamental symbol of the growth and learning that has taken place over the course of this program, children are asked to take part in a group project to give to others in need. Active participation by the children themselves in the planning and work of this project is also very strongly encouraged.

Planting and cultivating a community garden would be a natural and highly meaningful project for children to undertake. However, “seeds of growth” may take many forms! If a garden is not feasible for you group, there are many other types of projects that will enable children to give and make a difference in the lives of those in need all over the world.

Examples of projects your group might undertake include:

» Contributions to purchase a goat, pig, flock of chickens or even a cow for those in need. For more information, go to www.episcopalrelief.org/giftsforlife

» A Coffee Hour fundraiser at your church to raise money for those in need. To learn more about using Bishops Blend fair trade coffee and tea at your fundraiser, please visit www.episcopalrelief.org/bishops-blend

» An Alternative Gift Market. Details on how to hold an event are available at www.episcopalrelief.org/howholdagm

» A car wash, walkathon, dance-a-thon, or garage sale. For other fun and creative ideas, visit www.episcopalrelief.org/great-ideas


Small Group or Individual Studies

The following studies may be used for small group discussion or for individual reflection. Leaders of the program might set up “learning stations” for each of these studies and invite participants to rotate through the stations at their own pace.

Younger elementary school-aged children, particularly those who do not yet read well, might be assisted by adult or youth shepherds and encouraged to draw a picture in response to the questions. Older children and adults might also be invited to write reflections in a journal, draw pictures, or exercise their creativity in some way as well as they respond to the questions and material.

Old Testament Study—The Shema

Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9

This passage is one of the most fundamental scriptures in the Old Testament, known in the Jewish faith as the Shema. This passage highlights the importance of spiritual formation of children.

Think about:

» In our culture, what actions do we make that are as important as putting words on our doorposts?

» What do we talk about in our homes that teach children about the kingdom of God?

» How could we love the Lord our God with all our souls and all our might and teach this love to children?


New Testament Study—Welcoming Me

Look up and read Matthew 18:1-5

(For additional study, also read Matthew 18:6-7.)

In this passage, Jesus calls a child to him and tells his disciples, “whoever welcomes one such child welcomes me.”

Think about:

» How could we welcome each and every child to the kingdom of heaven?

» How might we change and “become like children”?

» Why did Jesus put such a high priority on children?

For further study:

» What are the “stumbling blocks” we put in front of children?

» Why would Jesus consider these “stumbling blocks” so detrimental to the lives of adults?

Book of Common Prayer Study

Look up and read the portions of the Baptismal Covenant found on the top of page 305 of the Book of Common Prayer:

» “Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ?”

» “Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself?”

» “Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?”

Think about:

» How would these promises apply to babies and children in your own community, your country, and in the world?

» What do these promises mean from a practical standpoint? What could you do today to keep these promises?


Story from the Field: Additional Story for In-Depth Study

For Children

Small Business in Guatemala “Grows” with Micro-Finance

Etelvina and her husband have twin seven-year-old boys. Making a living is not easy in rural Guatemala – for years, Etelvina traveled around the country looking for work opportunities, with no luck – but now she has help. The Episcopal Diocese of Guatemala, in partnership with Episcopal Relief & Development, is providing micro-finance loans to help people like Etelvina and her husband establish small businesses. A micro-loan is money – usually several hundred dollars or less – that someone may borrow and pay back later.

When Etelvina received her loan through the Church of Guatemala, she used part of it to buy ingredients and equipment to start a tortilla-selling business, and the other part she invested in seeds for her husband to plant in their garden. He used to grow just a few crops, but with the new investment he is now producing cucumbers, radishes, cabbage and cilantro to feed his family. Etelvina sells her husband’s surplus produce in the market, along with her tortillas. Soon they will be able to pay back their loan in full, and then they will be eligible to take out a larger loan if they like, to continue growing their business.

Etelvina and her family are very thankful for the opportunities that their loan has afforded them. “It will improve our living conditions, and the profit we make will help us provide for our children’s education,” she said.


For an extended version of this article, please go to: www.episcopalrelief.org/power-of-partnerships-february-2012/

Think about these questions:

» How was Etelvina’s tortilla business like a seedling? What did it need to grow?

» How was the micro-loan Etelvina received like water or fertilizer for her business?

» How could the “harvest” from Etelvina’s business feed both her family and others?

Story from the Field: Additional Story for In-Depth Study

For Youth and Adults:

Expectant Mothers Receive Extra Care through NetsforLife®

Mumile and Nafissa live in the village of Wakuan, in northeastern Ghana, near the Togo border. Both in their early thirties, Mumile has an infant and Nafissa has a four-year-old child plus one on the way. Between the poisonous snakes that inhabit the region (Wakuan comes from “wak”, which means “snake”) and the mosquitoes that spread malaria, there is a lot for a mother to worry about. Since the nearest health clinic is 10 kilometers (over six miles) away, preventive measures that keep women and children from getting sick or needing emergency care are extremely valuable.

Episcopal Relief & Development and its malaria prevention partnership, NetsforLife®, work with ADDRO (the Anglican Diocesan Development and Relief Organization) train local volunteers, called Malaria Control Agents (MCAs), to educate their communities about malaria, hang nets in homes, and provide follow-up to ensure that the nets are being used and maintained properly. These volunteers also do broader health monitoring and advocacy, including encouraging pregnant women to seek out antenatal care. This helps ensure that the women receive the recommended number of check-ups during pregnancy, along with IPTp (Intermittent Preventive Treatment in pregnancy) to protect them from malaria.

Mumile and Nafissa were visited by MCAs who stressed the importance of IPTp for malaria protection during pregnancy, a time when women and the babies they are carrying are especially vulnerable to infection. Both women had previously received


mosquito nets from NetsforLife®, which dramatically reduced their risk of being bitten, but the MCAs insisted that IPTp – receiving the medication at the clinic and then completing the course at home – was essential during pregnancy. For Mumile and Nafissa, having mosquito nets above their sleeping areas and using IPTp has had a major impact.

“I visited the hospital at least six times a year [due to malaria] and it was taking a heavy toll on my finances,” said Mumile. “But since last year [when I received the mosquito net] I have not visited the hospital except for my IPTp, which the volunteers told me was necessary for my health. I am very happy and want to thank them for doing this.”

For an extended version of this story, please go to: www.episcopalrelief.org/power-of-partnerships-april-2012

Think about these questions:

» How were the pregnancies of these women in Ghana similar and different from those of women in the United States?

» What would motivate community volunteers in Ghana to assist other women with information and training?

» Why might you be motivated to assist the efforts of these community volunteers?


Closing Reflections and Prayer

Closing Reflection

Ask children and adult or youth helpers and leaders to form a circle again. Ask your group to take a few deep breaths and think about what they saw, heard or experienced during their time together.

Going around the circle so that each person (children and helpers or leaders) has a turn, ask each person what they learned today. (If someone wants to take a “pass” and remain silent, that’s okay.) Songs may be sung here.

Closing Prayer (to be read by the leader or by one or more children):

We thank you, Lord, for our time together to learn about the care and nurture of new life. Help us to grow as people and as a community. Give us the energy and the inspiration to use our gifts and talents to help new lives everywhere grow in abundance.



Survey Questions for Christian Formation Programs

Thank you for your interest in this Episcopal Relief & Development Christian formation resource. Your

opinions are valuable and will enable us to better serve you and your church. Please take a few minutes

to fill out and return this brief survey. The form can be completed online by typing directly into the PDF

file, or by printing it out and completing it manually.

Online survey forms may be returned by email to [email protected]. Please mail printed

surveys to Episcopal Relief & Development, Engagement Office, 815 Second Avenue, New York, NY

10017.

We greatly appreciate your time and feedback.

1. Name of organization _____________________________________________ (church,

diocese, school, camp or other institution)

Address ______________________________________________________

Phone _______________________ Email ___________________________

2. Please provide the name and contact information of the leader: Name ______________________

__________________________________ Address _______________________________

_______________________

Phone _______________________ Email ___________________________

3. Which Episcopal Relief & Development curriculum or program did you use?

□ Abundant Life Garden Project (children’s curriculum)

□ Act Out (youth curriculum)

□ NetsforLife® Adult Education Study Guide (group discussion guide)

□ Other _________________________________________________

4. a) In what forum did you use these resources?

□ Sunday School □ Vacation Bible School (VBS)

□ Youth retreat (lock-in) □ Adult forum/class

□ Other _________________________________________________

b) Where was the event held?

□ Church □ Diocese

□ School □ Camp

□ Other _________________________________________________


5. How did you organize your events?

a) Number of sessions ____________________________________________

b) Duration/length of time ________________________________________

c) Number of children/youth _______________________________________

d) Number of teachers/leaders ______________________________________

6. a) Did you create or use any additional resources or otherwise enhance the program?

□ Yes □ No

b) If yes, what other resources or options did you include?

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

c) Please share any creative activities that were particularly successful or enhanced the education

experience for participants.

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

7. a) Would you recommend these materials to others?

□ Yes □ Possibly □ No

b) If you would like to share these resources and programs with others, please provide

their names and contact information below.

Name ________________________________________________________

Address ______________________________________________________

Phone _____________________ Email ____________________________

8. Let us know what other kinds of resources you would like to use or if you have additional

comments or questions.

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

Documents

New Life: Seedlings & Babies - Episcopal Relief & … are invited to use this material to explore the topics of ... Abundant Life Garden Project New Life: Seedlings and Babies